This story is by a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Advisors Program. The program began in 1966 and has engaged over 500 preservationists from around the country who have volunteered their time and expertise to the organization. We asked Advisors to share what they are seeing in their communities in order to learn about the impact of historic preservation across the country.
Since the inauguration of Donald Trump as president in January 2025, it has been all hands on deck for historic preservationists. In less than six months, the Trump Administration has already defunded the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute for Library and Museum Services. Through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), this Administration laid off all new and temporary hires at the National Park Service (NPS), and enticed many career employees in Technical Preservation Services into retirement.
Cultural heritage employees at the General Services Administration (GSA) are down to 8 from 30 a few months ago.This Administration has impounded the Historic Preservation Fund allocations to State Historic Preservation Offices, despite the revenue stream being deficit-neutral. Job Corps, which fueled preservation trades education at NPS sites and elsewhere, is now defunded.
The Trump Administration’s actions also impact historic preservation far beyond the usual heritage and culture programs—as I have found out by trying to launch a community built heritage project in St. Louis following an EF3 Tornado.
